Aquaman Justice League Drowned Earth Special #1 is a thrilling conclusion to the Drowned Earth story arc. There are some great character moments in it, and I really like that this is story where the way to win is not just to punch your way to victory. It's truly heroic to take chances to try to make amends and stop the fighting once and for all. I like the fact that Aquaman's communication powers are totally useful, and I think this is also a good set-up for whatever is coming next for Aquaman. If there's anything I didn't like, it's that it seems like there are so many mystical items in play " the Totality, the Tear of Extinction, Clarion, Poseidon's trident, etc. Mystical items get less special when you have too many of them around.

I've been enjoying that Atomic Robo: Dawn of the New Era #2 really has the feel of a new adventure starting out, and that it begins at a fairly calm and benign baseline. I'm looking forward to see how everything all comes together. This is still a good place to jump on, and Atomic Robo is still one of the books I recommend to basically everyone.

Atomic Robo: Dawn of a New Era #1 is definitely one to pick up if you're a fan. If you aren't yet, what are you waiting for? Robo is awesome, and who doesn't like action science? Seriously, this is a quality book. It's always interesting, and this is a fantastic jumping on point.

Auntie Agatha's Home for Wayward Rabbits #1 is not your standard funny animal book. It meanders a little, but it does surprise. It is probably not everyone's cup of tea, but it does have some surreal charm, and leaves you feeling like you don't exactly know what's going on yet.

I have to admit I am still intrigued by Auntie Agatha's Home for Wayward Rabbits #2. It is just such a weird story with unusual characters many of whom, by virtue of their individual pathologies, seem to contribute to the plot almost randomly. While the story of someone trying to swindle the old lady out of her home may not be new, the characters attempting to solve the problems are so troubled themselves that the story gains new and interesting tensions.

Beasts of Burden: Wise Dogs and Eldritch Men #4 is a satisfying conclusion. Everything that happens was set up, so while we may be surprised, we aren't hit by something totally out of the blue. Even though the Dogs took some hits, they're still around to fight another day, and they're such great characters.

Bitter Root #1 is action packed and really neat to look at. The story is up front about racism " and the associated hatred and fear that are behind it " which the monsters represent literally as well as figuratively. It is a fascinating touch to have the monster hunters not just killing the monsters, but releasing the humans from having become monsters, which is also strongly symbolic. This is a book that has something to say, is set in an interesting time period, and is told from a point of view we don't see enough of. I highly recommend this one.

If you like horror, and especially if you like horror that has relevance in our world, read Bitter Root #2. It is deep and thoughtful, well executed, and a rip-roaring good read. It's such a great take on the theme of the monsters within us and how we can deal with them. And read through the entire issue " there are a couple great essays at the end.

I just cannot say enough about Bitter Root #3. Every time we learn a bit more, we also learn that this is a small part of the iceberg. Problems are cropping up all over and seem harder to deal with. The characters are all strong and distinct, but not infallible. Their individual stories are as interesting as the overall plot.

This is a magical story. There's a lot going on here, and it is sometimes difficult to follow what's going on. To be fair, trying to find Paragons who are expert at magic and keeping themselves hidden would make the investigation challenging and frustrating, and reading this feels a bit like this. The heroine has family problems, which has to the potential to be interesting if we see her challenged by them. The premise is intriguing.

The pacing and story are picking up in Blackbird #3. There's less of a sense of frustration " where Nina kind of knows what's going on, but no one believes her " and more a sense of action and danger. I was not expecting the big reveal at the end, and it does put an interesting twist on the story. It's a solid book that seems to be hitting its stride.

Border Town #3 is powerful. The creators have something to say, and they aren't shy about it. The horror is undeniable, but there are moments of breathtaking beauty superimposed on that horror. There is plenty of action and also danger " these young people are vulnerable in so many ways, it keeps me on the edge of my seat.

Oh my gosh, Border Town #4 is terrific. It made me stop and think about some things " living an undocumented life " in a way I haven't not before. I love the mix of supernatural horror with the more mundane evils of 21st century life, which can be horrors in themselves. This story is building tension steadily and inexorably which is great for a horror title.

This is a somewhat wordy book, both because there is a fair amount to explain about the setting and because this is a mystery and we like to see how the detective " or detectioner " puts clues together.

Britannia: Lost Eagles of Rome #4 is a satisfying ending to this story. It ties up all the loose ends neatly. The bad guys get their just desserts, and our hero is left in that ambiguous place where he solved one problem, which may inadvertently lead to bigger problems. If you love historical mysteries as much as I do, this is a great read.

We have more conflict in By Night #5 even as more characters have been drawn together by their shared secret. I like that we keep finding out more about Gardt's world, and it's more complicated than just a world with cute sprites and dangerous werewolves. It's an interesting tale in who to trust.

I actually really like that By Night #6 is getting a little grittier. I think that the story we frequently see is of adventures through a portal without a lot of consequences. This story is shaping up to be full of consequences, and now that we've come to know and like a lot of the characters, there is an emotional stake too.

I like the pace at which the story in By Night #7 is unfolding. Every time I think I know where we're headed, someone throws a wrench in the works. Things are complicated all over. It feels a little like a shaggy dog story, but hanging out with these characters is charming. Everyone is being pulled in so many directions that it helps keep things fresh.

We're two issues into the current volume here with Kino #11. This is still a decent point at which to jump on. If you like stories of suspense and intrigue, as well as superpowers, I strongly recommend this book. The action is good, and the plot is engaging and interesting.

Characters are made interesting to us by the choices that they make, and Kino #12 really shows us what this means. No one has easy choices. As the reader, we have the benefit of seeing when characters make choices that are bound to cause them problems, and we cringe. But this is also what brings us back for more.

I had a lot of fun reading Charlie's Angels #5, and indeed the entire arc. The plot befits the TV show " a decent problem, but a whole lot of room for action and a certain amount of goofiness. There is clear affection for the show " and the time period. I think the epilogue is strong. It opens the door to a modern version of the story, but even if there isn't an ongoing series, it's a nice, tidy ending. It was a pleasure to suspend my disbelief for a while reading this book.

If you're fond of traditional horror and you have a sense of humor, I think you might like Elvira Mistress of the Dark #3. It's breezy and carefree, with plenty of jokes. Elvira is capable as a heroine, but not so serious that she can't keep laughing at herself as well. It's just enjoyable to sit down with for a time, and I really like that we have the plot twist to help keep it from becoming too formulaic.

I do like that the original set up of the chapters is twisting in on itself in Elvira Mistress of the Dark #4. Variations on a theme are more interesting, and now we've reached yet another layer of bad guy. I think the number of jokes has ticked up again, and they're downright clever. It's a good, solid issue.

The premise behind Exorsisters #4 is interesting, and I like how the story is growing into a definite arc. The little "cases" that Cate and Kate work on are often lighthearted, and they help ease our way into this decidedly weird world. I appreciate the humorous moments, especially in a story which feels pretty heavy overall.

Faith: Dreamside #2 has a good mix of drama and humor which makes it a pleasure to read. Faith is heroic and engaging, especially since she has her oh-so-human moments. Leading us to the Deadside builds up the excitement to see what it is like, and now that we know Animalia isn't just plagued by normal ghosts, I'm even more intrigued.

I think the opening super-sweet portrayal of an afterlife, as in Faith: Dreamside #3, is refreshing. It helps set up a world where almost anything could happen. There is some terrific character development here as well, and the set up for the conclusion is certainly dramatic. I think this is a solid issue in an enjoyable story arc.

It's great when a story can tell us something about its characters, and Faith: Dreamside #4 does not let us down. In saving Monica, Faith herself has moved from a dark place back to a more hopeful one, and that movement is fitting. I like how Dr. Mirage's calmness and composure play against Faith's irrepressible nature.

Aspen Mathews, in Fathom #6, is an interesting and powerful heroine. Her world is fascinating, and I like the way the story is progressing. The U.S. " Russia conflict feels very pertinent, and I like setting it against the conflict in the Blue as well. It's a good balance between espionage and superpowers.

Jim Henson's Labyrinth: Coronation #5 is definitely not a jumping on point, but I find it rather darkly satisfying. We know where the plot is going, and now we can start wondering more how we get to the end point.

After a couple more introspective issues, Jim Henson's Labyrinth: Coronation #8 feels like it's getting back on track. It ties back into the plot of the movie and grounds us again in that (a necessary touchstone, considering how fluid the Labyrinth can be), which alerts us to the suggestion that this plot probably ends differently. The art continues solid, and there are some thoughtful points here. Not a jumping on point, but for people following the book, it's like it takes a deep breath and starts rolling again.

I still like the story in Jim Henson's Labyrinth: Coronation #10. I'm still curious to see just how Maria's story is going to end, and whether there is any room to surprise us. But I feel like it's just trying to stretch the plot out a bit to fill issues, and doesn't really tell us anything new.

I feel like the excitement keeps ramping up in Justice League #6. The message that I am getting from it " to accept your faults, admit your mistakes, apologize, and move on while trying to do better " is a powerful one that befits this group of heroes and is indeed about as heroic as you can get. And it is just beautiful to look at besides.

Nothing is on a small scale in Justice League #16. It's a satisfying close to this story arc, and it leads further onward in the grand saga of the Source Wall. If you like grand, heroic stories where the heroes are predestined to be heroes, it's a solid entry in that category.

Nancy Drew #5 closes a strong story arc that not only introduces us to her world and her friends, but contains a solid mystery that seems entirely plausible. I think it shows that the concept of Nancy Drew is as engaging as ever, and can be adapted to fit into the present. The art throughout has been lovely, really drawing us in and making us care about the characters. Nancy has plenty of room for character development, and I would love to see more.

I cannot resist a mystery, and Naomi #1 draws me in. We know a little about the title character, but hardly everything. Why did she develop a Superman Complex? Why does this mean so much to her? Is there really any chance she could be special? Isn't there more to life than that, really? I'm already looking forward to what will unfold next.

The story is wrapped up tidily in Newbury & Hobbes: The Undying #4. The main characters are tough, interesting, and capable. The villain has all the hallmarks of a great recurring villain of the kind we love to hate. I like setting up Queen Victoria in this world as being capable and morally ambiguous " it adds some terrific tension.

Olivia Twist #2 is the midpoint of a 4-issue story. There is a lot going on, but there is clearly much more to go. Olivia is narrating this as her past. She has managed to get through all this, somehow, we just don't know how, especially since it is rapidly becoming clear that she cannot trust the people outside the workhouse any more than she could trust the ones inside it.

If you haven't been reading this story, you don't want to jump into Olivia Twist #3. The plot is pretty tangled. But the reveals have been great, and I have not anticipated all of them which makes the story that much more exciting.

We've been learning more bit by bit as the story goes on, and this issue ties everything together fairly well. There are times it feels like there's an awful lot going on, and it can be a little confusing on a first read through, but overall it's solid.

Outpost Zero #5 teases us with yet more side threads. The big, obvious problem is the ice, and that distracts everyone from the smaller problems that bubble beneath the surface, and which we've only seen hints of. It's fascinating to see how things gradually develop and tie together.

I think you could go nuts findings metaphors throughout Outpost Zero #6. That's because the creative team really understands some essential things about human nature, and how to show us the big things in life that these young people are not talking about. We are making connections with all of them, which makes the story more tense as it progresses.

Adrienne's uncertainties in Princeless: Find Yourself #3 are a solid metaphor for growing up. And to be frank, they're also a metaphor for life in general. The world this is set in is interesting, and as always, I like the idea of princesses who aren't patient with waiting around and who are willing to act.

As it turns out, there is some significant backstory we need to hear in Princeless: Find Yourself #4. Tying it in with the fight is an effective way to do this without feeling like the story temporarily grinds to a halt while we get an information dump. This is a family-oriented story, and I like seeing the mother find her way in " it's a novel entrance, and her strength doesn't detract from our main character.

It's all about the fight in Project Superpowers #5, so maybe not the best jumping on point, although there is enough information that you could figure out roughly what's going on even so. The action has been building to this point, and it's certainly setting up for a conclusion that looks to be exciting.

The story arc of Real Science Adventures #5 closes out here, and it is indeed satisfying. Berikos gets what is coming to him, and the wild plans all manage to work out. This is a really fun read and I like the way it was carefully plotted and set up.

As one might expect with an all-ages book, Robots Vs. Princesses #3 focuses a lot on friendship. I like that Zara has made friends with Wheeler, and now with the Centurions here, there is hope for having a conclusion where robots and people can be friends again. This is a nice way to speak to readers about getting along despite differences without being heavy handed. And, like peanut butter and chocolate, robots and princesses go together surprisingly well.

When all is said and done, Robots Versus Princesses delivers almost exactly what you'd expect of it. It's a fun concept. The art delivers. The characters are likable, in so far as we get to know them. There's not really anything new or innovative here, and no real surprises, but that does make it a comfortable story.

If you know this series, you have some idea of what to expect from Scooby-Doo Team-Up #46. The message is simplistic, and the story played for laughs, but it is cute and amusing. Don't expect profound insights, but enjoy the ride.

I think Shazam! #1 is a strong start for an issue. We get a small adventure, a full origin story, and a great hook for the future (as well as a big reveal which I did not disclose here). If I have any quibble with it, it is a $4.99 book. The main story is 21 pages, and there's a nice backup story about Mary's history which is another 8. It is a first issue, the art is great, the story and characters are engaging, but it's not a lot of pages.

The Law of Conservation of Characters suggests that the villains we meet in Shazam! #2 will be at the center of things. I like the energy and enthusiasm we have here, and the ongoing sense of innocence " that these kids aren't so jaded and cynical that they expect problems around every corner. The villains are classic, and interesting and I am curious to see what they're up to.

I vaguely remember starting out by wondering what happened here, and that almost feels like it's the MacGuffin in The Long Con #4. And you know what " I'm okay with that. The journey is so incredibly wild, full of weird twists that somehow retroactively make sense, that I can't wait to see what happens next. What are things like in Hall C?

We already know the stakes are high in The Weatherman #4, and now the difficulty level has also been raised. Desperation is starting to set in " and what will people do when they are desperate? Things are not looking very good for Nathan's chances at this point, and the enemies are formidable. The suspense level is excellent.

The Weatherman #6 brings us to a point where, finally, we can stop and breathe for a moment, as the characters finally can. It has been a satisfying arc, resolving some problems in unexpected ways, but setting up several options for the next volume. As horrible as it is, it is still really great storytelling.

The story being told in These Savage Shores #2 is not just a vampire story, or even a monster story. This place, at this time, is bubbling with unrest often just below the surface as people try to go about their lives. It's a lovely, visually detailed book. The use of letters to tell part of the story is brilliant " when people talk loud, they don't tell us everything. In writing, they reveal a little more. You can still jump into the story at this point and understand what is going on. I highly recommend this one.

These Savage Shores #3 is so much more than a standard horror story. It spans different sorts of horror and betrayal, from that at an individual level to the betrayal of armies or kingdoms. I love seeing a story of conflict with the East India Company from the point of view of the country that is trying to deal with them. I don't know if this story is going to end well for anyone involved " it could be a great tragedy all around " but it is richly full of complex characters that we grow to care about even if we don't like them all the time.

War Bears #3 wraps up this story so beautifully. It tugs on your heartstrings in so many ways, but it leaves us with hope. I like that by telling us a story about the black-and-whites, it does bring them back to life for a time. Even though we see such a small snapshot of the lives of the characters, they feel very much alive.

Wizard Beach #1 is not a bad read, but it did not grab me as much as I thought it might. The awkward dialogue sounded off to my brain, and the little subplots didn't feel as though they belonged. I get that there are big conflicts between the wizards who've left for the beach and those who stayed behind, as well as Hexley and adults. But there really isn't any explanation for them yet, and they felt more obligatory than as something that grew from plot.

This is an engaging team so far in Young Justice #2. There is already some build up suggestive of things going on in everyone's lives; this is a living world and we've entered in midstream. I can already see some potential conflicts building. Despite the high drama, there is both optimism and humor. I think this is a solid book. At twenty pages, it feels a smidge on the short side though.